From the Desk of Suite 3:16

FINDING PEACE IN THE BROKEN PIECES OF THE HEART

I’d like to start with God’s Word.

“The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? (Jer. 17:9 NLT)

“And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, all your strength.” (Mark 12:30; NLT)

“Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.” (Prov. 4:23; NLT)

The heart is the epitome of who we are. It makes us want what we want and do what we do to get what we want. Therefore, I understand better why the Bible speaks to us so intimately about it. The above Scriptures address the heart and speak to it as the principal driver. Wonder why?

I believe it is the slice of us that exclusively belongs to God because He designed us that way. Yet, we endeavor to find heart satisfaction in people, places, and things other than God. And, often with much dissatisfaction. Life will teach us that people will break our hearts — it’s not a matter of if, only a matter of when. What then?

I submit this article amidst the rubble of a broken heart. For years, I’ve been trying, crying, and buying to be an insider to my grandchildren’s lives. I’ve felt it was my matriarch right to want to be active in developing their characters, influencing their attitudes about God and life matters. Truth is, after much time and effort, I am still very much an outsider and an afterthought. I’ve allowed no real peace in their lives to trickle to no peace in my life, prompting feelings of unworthiness.

This has been my longsuffering cross to bear. I have hoped, pleaded, cried, and yearned for them to forgive my apparent offense and soften their indifference toward me. I’ve literally exhausted myself with constant chiseling at cold hearts. But the truth is, they have not changed and may never change. Today, I’m confident knowing that as long as my peace is anchored to them validating me, I’ll never have it.

So, how do I find peace in the broken pieces of my heart? A few practical ways I foster my own peace:

1) I make a deliberate effort to channel my focus from people to God. I’ve surrendered my chisel because God has a jackhammer and can loosen hearts if it is His will and in His time. Even though estranged, I pray for my grandkids’ protection and provisions daily.

2) I pray for forgiveness for and deliverance from idol worshipping. Yes, yearning for their affections had incrementally distorted to idol-status that was hard for me to see and accept. An uncomfortable, but freeing truth!

3) Believe Jesus Christ when He says in John 14:27, “And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So, don’t be troubled or afraid. In this reality, people are not to be my source of peace. True peace will come only through our Lord, Jesus.

One day, I hope to share I have arrived at the place of perfect peace concerning my grandchildren. I’m not there yet, but I know I’m on the right road, and I can see clearly now.

A Thankful Heart,

“I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources, He will empower

you with inner strength through His Spirit.” Ephesians 3:16 NLT